Pre-teens and teens need shots, too!
Immunity can diminish over time and your adolescent may be at risk for serious diseases that can be easily spread, like whooping cough and chickenpox.
Parents of adolescents are encouraged to schedule a check-up with their child’s doctor to make sure all recommended immunizations are up-to-date. The doctor may recommend several vaccines, including the meningococcal vaccine, a Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, whooping cough) booster, a second chickenpox shot, and the HPV vaccine series (for girls). The doctor will also recommend an annual flu vaccine. If your preteen does not have health insurance, or is only partially insured, ask your doctor or local health department about getting free or low-cost vaccines.
Promoting adolescent immunizations is one of the newest initiatives of the San Diego Immunization Branch; this initiative supports the branches mission of providing immunizations across the lifespan. In order to reach parents and adolescents, the Immunization Branch coordinates Preteen Vaccine Week activities each year and collaborates with community organizations throughout San Diego County that target adolescents.
Please click on the following links for more information:
Recommended Immunizations for Preteens and Teens:
Preteen Immunization Campaigns:
Additional Resources for Teens and Parents:
For information about partnering with the immunization branch please contact:
Nancy Knickerbocker
(619) 692-5738
Nancy.Knickerbocker@sdcounty.ca.gov
